The Role of Archaeomalacological Research in Sri Lanka: A Synthesis

Abstract

This article focuses on the role of malacological research in Sri Lanka and the significance it holds within the field of archaeology. Malacology, the study of Mollusca, is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of biology, ecology, and archaeology. We explore and synthesize the diverse applications of malacology that have been used to understand past societies and environments. In the last fifty years, malacological research has gained traction within archaeological investigations, contributing valuable insights into human-environment interactions, subsistence patterns, and cultural dynamics. By integrating data from archaeological excavations where molluscan remains have been recovered, researchers have been able to reconstruct past environments, identify resource exploitation strategies, shed light on human dietary choices, trade networks, migration patterns, and socio-economic complexities of ancient Sri Lankan societies. We summarize existing literature on archaeomalacological research worldwide, as well as specific case studies within Sri Lanka. By placing these findings in the broader context of Sri Lanka’s archaeology, this paper aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the island’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting the pivotal role of archaeomalacology and its potential to enhance interpretations of past societies and environments in island Lanka.